Question:

AFP (alpha fetoprotein) is raised in:

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AFP tracks yolk sac differentiation; beta-HCG tracks trophoblast.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Teratoma
  • Yolk sac tumour
  • Choriocarcinoma
  • Dysgerminoma
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Match each germ cell tumour to its tumour marker. AFP is produced by yolk sac elements, while beta-HCG is produced by trophoblastic (syncytiotrophoblast) elements.

Step 2: Apply this to the yolk sac tumour. The endodermal sinus tumour, or yolk sac tumour, is the classic AFP-secreting ovarian germ cell tumour. Its Schiller-Duval bodies reflect yolk sac differentiation, and serum AFP is the marker used to diagnose and monitor it.

Step 3: Check the distractors. Choriocarcinoma (C) is trophoblastic and secretes beta-HCG, not AFP. Pure dysgerminoma (D) secretes LDH and may show mild placental alkaline phosphatase, but not AFP. A pure mature teratoma (A) is typically marker negative; only if it contains yolk sac elements would AFP rise, so as a single best answer the teratoma is not the AFP tumour.

Step 4: Conclude. The tumour most directly and characteristically associated with raised AFP is the yolk sac tumour.

Answer: Yolk sac tumour (Option B).
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